BOTTOM LINE

That talent gap between Ohio State and Minnesota is a not-even-funny mismatch, but somehow this had all the potential to be a close game. The Buckeyes were starting several young players, quarterback included, who have never played in front of real live human beings, only empty Covid-averse stadiums. Minnesota had 20 returning starters. The Gopher faithful, in all of their row-the-boat hysteria, were raucous.

But talent, and wide-open receivers, won out again. In the end, there was enough adversity that the Buckeyes might be better off heading into the Oregon game having played this one than facing an Akron, Denison, Bishop Sycamore or Michigan.

Leaves are awarded on a zero-tofive basis.